O’Reilly, Byrne switch codes to star for Sligo
It may be back to football duty with Sligo next weekend for the pair but they can take time out to celebrate what was a thrilling all round performance from a team that could figure prominently in the women’s superleague in the seasons to come. How fitting that would be - Sligo All Stars were one of the first established national league basketball clubs.
They last won the junior cup in 1996, but this team has come through a very good under-age structure and oozed class in all departments. Stephanie O’Reilly, Bernice Byrne, Edel Kelly, Kelly Johnson and Emma Brady have all been capped at underage level and the level of confidence that brings with it was evident from an early stage.
They led Wildcats, seeking their first cup victory since 1998, from an early stage and had a 34-21 lead at half-time. The Waterford side came out fighting in the third quarter and Lisa Palmer landed a big three pointer along with two baskets, but Stephanie O’Reilly hit back with another three pointer, and was ruthlessly efficient from the free throw line to give Sligo a comfortable 10 point cushion going into the fourth quarter.
Wildcats battled furiously, but Sligo were coasting and they had no answer to Bernice Byrne’s rebounding and running and Kelly Johnston’s efficiency under the boards.
: Sligo All Stars: Stephanie O’Reilly 23, Bernice Byrne 11, Kelly Johnston 10. Bausch & Lomb Wildcats: L. Palmer 16, C. Grant 13, N. Ryan 9.
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